An attempted coup in the West African nation of Benin was swiftly thwarted early Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, according to an announcement by the country’s Interior Minister. The government confirmed that a small group of soldiers had attempted to destabilize the state but were overcome by loyal armed forces.
Earlier in the day, a group of soldiers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, appeared on state television to declare they had seized power from President Patrice Talon and suspended the constitution. Millenium TV has learned that gunfire was reported near the presidential residence in Cotonou, the capital city and seat of government. Eyewitnesses observed a heavy military presence and blocked roads throughout Cotonou, with some state broadcaster journalists reportedly held hostage during the initial hours of the unrest.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou addressed the nation on television, stating, “Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions.” He further explained, “Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.” The minister urged citizens to continue their daily activities as normal, emphasizing the government’s control.
A presidential adviser confirmed that President Talon is safe and has sought refuge at the French embassy. International warnings from the French, Russian, and US embassies advised their citizens to remain indoors or avoid Cotonou, particularly the presidential compound area.
The soldiers who attempted the coup justified their actions by criticizing President Talon’s administration. One soldier read a statement vowing, “The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.”
President Talon, 67, is known as a prominent businessman and is considered an ally of Western nations. He is scheduled to conclude his second term next year, with elections slated for April. Having come to power in 2016, he has committed to not seeking a third term and has publicly backed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his successor. While supporters credit Talon with fostering economic growth, his government has faced criticism regarding the suppression of dissenting voices.
Recent political developments in Benin include the electoral commission’s disqualification of a key opposition candidate in October due to insufficient sponsors. Last month, parliamentary members passed several constitutional amendments, including the establishment of a second legislative body, the Senate. Terms for elected officials were extended from five to seven years, though the two-term presidential limit remained in effect.
This incident in Benin follows closely on the heels of another political upheaval in West Africa, where Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown as president of neighboring Guinea-Bissau just over a week prior. The region has experienced a series of coups in recent years, affecting countries like Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger, raising concerns about regional stability. Millenium TV notes that these Sahel nations have seen increased ties with Russia, with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger forming their own bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States, after withdrawing from the West African regional body Ecowas. Reports indicate that news of the attempted coup garnered positive reactions from certain pro-Russian social media accounts.
Benin has also contended with a rise in jihadist activity in recent years, as groups associated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda have expanded their operations southward.
© Millenium TV
